Police are actively searching for the owner of a social media profile linked to a disturbing video that allegedly depicts students engaging in violent behavior. This incident, which has raised concerns about digital bullying, was reported at an educational institution in Montenegro. The video, reportedly created using artificial intelligence, shows students fighting and includes derogatory comments. Authorities have indicated that the situation may involve criminal responsibility.
The troubling video has since been deleted, but the repercussions are ongoing. A parent of one of the victims reached out to the media outlet Pobjeda to provide details regarding the situation. Due to the minors involved, both the identities of the students and specific case details remain confidential. The parent stated that they promptly filed a report with the Police Administration upon discovering the video on social media.
According to the parent, their child was subjected to cyberbullying, with peers taunting them about the content. In a conversation with Pobjeda, the parent explained, “We received a response from the police indicating that the prosecutor recognized elements of a criminal act and ordered the high-tech crime unit to identify the profile owner.” They emphasized the need to wait for the police to gather more information.
The parent expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s administrative response, although they were pleased with the actions taken by the class teacher, who spoke with students who denied involvement in the incident. “I had to initiate a call to the school principal. To my surprise, he mentioned that teachers also experience cyberbullying and report such cases without any results,” the parent said, adding that they found the principal’s response unprofessional and demotivating.
In response to inquiries, the school administration stated that they had informed the relevant authorities as required by their procedures. They explained that, as the police investigation is ongoing, the school would await official updates before taking further action, including any disciplinary measures against those found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior.
The Ministry of Education had previously established a handbook two years ago outlining procedures for handling cases of peer violence and vandalism. The guidelines stipulate that immediate action should be taken to ensure safety for all students, including discussions with involved parties and, in severe cases, reporting to the police. Mandatory communication with parents is also included, aiming to keep them informed of the steps being taken. Monitoring the effects of implemented measures on the victim’s behavior is a critical component of this protocol.
Despite these established protocols, the parent reported feeling inadequately supported by the educational institution, stating, “Neither I nor my child received professional assistance from the school. I will have to seek help privately.”
The issue of digital bullying has gained attention in Montenegro, with past instances reported where students have faced severe online harassment. One notable case involved a girl who was threatened on social media with kidnapping and other alarming messages, highlighting the grave implications of such behavior.
Montenegro ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 2006, committing to protect children from all forms of violence, including cyberbullying. This commitment includes ensuring a safe environment for their development and privacy.
In recent months, various ministries have organized workshops in educational institutions, involving parents and aiming to create a safe and responsible digital environment for children. Discussions around digital bullying have underscored the challenges faced by the legal system in adapting to modern issues. Recently, Minister of Justice Bojan Božović noted that many young individuals hesitate to report online violence due to fear of judgment, lack of trust in institutions, or unfamiliarity with available procedures. He assured that Montenegro possesses a clear legal framework to combat all forms of violence.
Meanwhile, Slađana Kaluđerović, a member of parliament, has proposed legislation to prohibit digital platforms for children under the age of 13. This proposal is currently under parliamentary review, and discussions have taken place in forums such as the Science and Technology Park. Various opinions have emerged regarding the practicality of implementing such a law, with some suggesting amendments to improve the proposed solution. Kaluđerović labeled the legislation a “digital lifeline” for children, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding young individuals in today’s digital landscape.
